It’s that time of year. With the Christmas music playing aloud and pretty lights all around, you can’t help but get into the holiday spirit. I can’t think of a better place to spend a day, during this time, than at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket.
Christkindlmarket, an outdoor market, has been a Chicago holiday tradition since 1996. With traditional German food and snacks, holiday desserts, and unique gifts, it’s hard to be a grinch. Locations of Christkindlmarket are: downtown at Daley Plaza, the Park at Wrigley, and Naperville. It is open daily until December 24.
FAB TIP: Make sure to bring cash for most stands are cash only.
Here are my “Top 5 Things to Eat and Drink at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket”…
5. Glühwein
The Glühwein is a holiday staple. This traditional German spiced wine is perfect to warm up on a chilly winter day and served in a cute keepsake mug. You can choose to get this non-alcoholic but why would you?
Glühwein at Christkindlmarket // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Beer also available.
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}
4. Cinnamon Bun
You definitely need to stop by the Dinkel’s Bakery booth. They offer a variety of pastries including apple walnut strudel, chocolate chunk cookies, and donuts. Yum! But, don’t miss out on the giant Cinnamon Bun! It has a good cinnamon flavor and the right amount of frosting.
Cinnamon Bun at Christkindlmarket // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Hot chocolate in a festive snowman mug available.
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}
3. German Brat
No trip to a German-inspired market is complete without a classic German Brat. It is topped with spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut. There are multiple stands throughout the market that offer this so don’t leave without trying one.
German Brat at Christkindlmarket // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: You can also order the German Brat plain.
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}
2. Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel
I probably stop at the Christkindlmarket, a handful of times every year, just to get the stuffed pretzel. There are several different pretzels you can choose from including sweet pretzels. I always struggle between the grilled cheese and stuffed jalapeño. If you like spicy, go for the Jalapeño Pretzel.
Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel at Christkindlmarket // Photo: @topchicagoeats
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
1. Baked Apple
Two words. Baked. Apple. You can get it glazed with syrup and sugar cinnamon mix or plain. It is served warm and stuffed with marzipan, raisins, and diced almonds. Despite the fact that it has generous amounts of syrup, the apple itself is not as sweet as you would expect. This is my favorite thing to eat at the Christkindlemarket because it reminds me of the baked apples my grandma used to make me when I was growing up.
Baked Apple at Christkindlmarket // Photo: @topchicagoeats
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
{Location}
Christkindlmarket
The Loop || 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 494-2175
Wrigleyville || 3637 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Naperville || 523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL
What is your fave thing to eat or drink at the Christkindlmarket? Share below.
Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette
Note: These items were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
